The couple's cafe became the go-to spot for French supporters in the Tweed at the recent World Cup soccer, made all the more special as they cheered on Sandrine Mendy's cousin, Benjamin Mendy, selected for the French team.Scott Powick

'What they are doing to these people is just wrong'

A MUCH-LOVED French couple, who have lived in the Tweed for 15 years, are appealing to Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to intervene and stop them being booted out of Australia.

Damien Pigot and Sandy Mendy, who have owned popular cafe 3 Sea in Tweed Heads South since 2012, have been told by immigration they have until October 1 before they must pack up their lives and head back to France.

Well known in the Tweed for his work in the emerging local dining industry, Mr Pigot was told in August he did not qualify for a new visa and was on a bridging visa which needed to be renewed every two weeks.

He has applied to The Department of Home Affairs for ministerial intervention but was advised he did not tick any of the boxes required to have his case heard.

To be considered for ministerial intervention, a person must be able to demonstrate how they can provide economic and cultural benefits to the community and how long they have lived in Australia.

"They state we don't meet any of the guidelines but we bring economic benefits just in the turnover of our restaurant and what we spend, for our ingredients we go to the local fisherman or the farmer down the road," Mr Pigot said.

"We also have cultural benefits including hosting African events, French events, football events, we bring something a bit different.

"For the criteria about living in Australia, we've been here for 15 years and are part of the community."

French chef Damien Pigot getting ready for the Taste of Tweed festival in 2017. Damien was the featured chef at the festival launch.Scott Powick

Mr Pigot said he was reaching out to the media in a last-ditch attempt to have his case heard, while enjoying every last minute in Australia he had.

"Sandy has just started a short course she has always wanted to do and I've been closing the store at 3pm instead of 5pm as we don't know how long we have to enjoy this place. We don't know when it will be taken away from us," he said.

"It's all about living in the moment."

Mr Pigot's case comes after controversy surrounding Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton, who intervened in three cases of au pairs who were detained at the Australian border.

In one case, Mr Dutton intervened to allow French au pair Alexandra Duewel entry into Australia after an appeal was made on her behalf by AFL boss Gillon McLachlan in 2015.

About nine hours after the request, Mr Dutton granted her a visa, arguing that it was in the "public interest".

A Senate Inquiry into Mr Dutton's involvement which concluded last night found he "misled" Parliament over his involvement into the au pairs visa intervention saga.

A representative for Richmond MP Justine Elliot, who represents the Tweed region, said they could not comment on the case.

A representative for the Immigration Department said they could not comment on the case for privacy reasons.